Manager of Operations Cricket Creek Farm
- Date Posted April 05, 2017
- Location Williamstown, MA
- Category Agriculture / Business
- Job type Full-Time
This position requires you to consistently see the balance of the farm vision and simultaneously manage the daily details of running a small business. The Manager of Operations has the privilege of being responsible for communicating the farm mission and vision to the public, our customers, and our staff. If you identify yourself as a problem solver, a quick thinker, and an exceptional community builder who can inspire others, this position might be right for you. An ideal candidate has experience in marketing and sales, a strong passion for food and agriculture, a background in human resources, and enjoys working in a small team.
Requirements: Excellent prioritization, organizational, and social skills, solid oral and written communication, comfort reaching out to customers in person and over the phone are all required. Must be able to give and receive feedback within our intimate work environment. As an ambassador of the company, constant attention to brand perception is essential, as is meticulous consideration of detail, punctuality, focus, a desire to motivate others, and the ability to share the joys and challenges of sustainable agriculture with our community. Some travel within the Northeast is expected.
Job Description: The 5 primary facets of this position are: Marketing, Sales, Inventory Management, Community Engagement, and Human Resources.
- Marketing: Liaison to all of our customers including cheese mongers, chefs, cheese distributors, and farmers markets, and also build relationships with new customers around the Northeast. Work includes ongoing promotion of the farm and cheese specifically, regular social media presence, writing weekly newsletters, maintaining a farm blog, applying to summer/winter/year-round farmers markets, handling all packaging/labeling/product presentation.
- Sales: Corresponding with all buyers on a regular basis including weekly emails and phone calls with cheese mongers, chefs, and cheese distributors. Other tasks include tracking sales through diverse outlets, and ensuring that all orders are filled on time.
- Inventory Management: Keeping track of all cheese in inventory, projecting future sales, and working closely with the cheese maker to plan a production schedule that will meet the seasonal demands of our customers.
- Community Engagement: Arrange for demos and promotions of our farm products, host visitors at the farm, attend special events to outreach with the community and our customer base, and reply to all farm inquiries/questions/requests.
- Human Resources: Responsible for hiring apprentices for both the creamery and farm, keeping current positions listed on the farm website, handling all new employee paperwork, creating schedules for all farm staff including apprentices, and adopting schedules to accommodate days off and holidays. As the manager of a dedicated hardworking team, interpersonal skills needed to support and encourage job satisfaction with employees and volunteers. Also responsible for employee and apprentice reviews, giving positive and constructive feedback.